It seems like each day of this new year has been marked with the tragic news of a celebrity death, and we're sorry to report today is no different!

Oscar winning composer John Barry died of a heart attack in New York last night. He was 77.

Beginning with the TV show "Drumbeat" in 1959, Barry tallied some 115 musical credits in film or TV, either as composer, conductor, or musical arranger. Over the years, the man accrued 5 Academy Awards, two in 1966 for the film BORN FREE, one in 1969 for LION IN THE WINTER, one in 1986 for OUT OF AFRICA and his final one in 1991 for DANCES WITH WOLVES. Impressive would be the only way to sum up that body of work!

Other popular favorites in Barry's oeuvre include DR. NO, FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE, GOLDFINGER (and other non-Connery Bond flicks), THE DEEP, KING KONG, MIDNIGHT COWBOY, BODY HEAT and CHAPLIN. However, dude was just as capable of handling smaller, intimate films like MY LIFE, FRANCES and PEGGY SUE GOT MARRIED. In other words, John Barry was a true legend in the game. No question about it!

John is survived by his wife Laurie, four children and five grandchildren.

RIP Mr. Barry, you will be missed!

Extra Tidbit:

What's your favorite score or musical arrangement from John Barry? Honestly, I get teary every time hearing that PEGGY SUE GOT MARRIED score. Shut up, it's nostalgia!